Analysis of the implementation of a compact sewage treatment unit in the rural area of the municipality of Joinville-SC

Abstract

The expansion of water supply and sewage collection and treatment services in rural areas is one of the greatest challenges for sanitation in Brazil. This article analyzes the environmental feasibility of installing a decentralized sewage treatment station in the rural area of Joinville-SC, using un sistema de tratamiento compacto at the Municipal School Professora Valesca May Engelmann. The unit was implemented through a Technical Partnership between the company Águas do Sul Montagens e Soluções Ambientais LTDA and the Companhia Águas de Joinville, coordinated by the innovation office. The adopted methodology was an applied study, with qualitative and quantitative analysis of operational data, including parameters such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), pH, oils and greases, settleable solids, and COD/BOD ratio (Chemical Oxygen Demand/Biochemical Oxygen Demand). The results indicate that, after an initial stabilization period, the system showed continuous improvement in the removal of organic load, reaching a BOD effluent value of 59.3 mg/L and a removal efficiency of 88.4%, in addition to contributing to the reduction in sludge generation and compliance with current environmental standards. It is emphasized that good performance also depends on environmental education actions, proper management of cleaning product use, and regular maintenance. It is concluded that the decentralized solution is environmentally feasible and replicable in similar rural areas, provided it is associated with environmental education and proper maintenance, contributing to the universalization of basic sanitation.